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For the first time since 1996, IBM's market value now exceeds that of Microsoft. IBM jumped past Microsoft to become the world's second most valuable tech company behind #1 Apple.

IBM's stocks are blazing hot this year, spiking 22 percent to $179.17. This increase has raised the company's market value to $214 billion. Microsoft, however, has seen its stock slip 8 percent to $25.45 and its market value fall to $213 billion.

The two companies may trade these #2 and #3 positions as their stock prices fluctuate, but the trend is pretty clear. Microsoft is on a slow decline, while IBM's decision to focus on services is starting to pay off. [Business Week]